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CLIENT RED FLAG CHECKLIST
SoloStack — solostack.madethis.app
Free resource. No signup required.
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Run every new prospect through this checklist before you write a proposal.
Each item is rated YELLOW (caution) or RED (serious concern).

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STAGE 1: PRE-INQUIRY
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[ ] 1. Contacted you without reading your website or portfolio
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Send a short "how I work" overview before scheduling a call.

[ ] 2. Immediately asks "what's your rate?" without describing the project
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Redirect — "I'd love to talk through your project first so I can give you an accurate quote."

[ ] 3. Approached you via a platform you don't use with a "quick project"
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Route to your standard intake process before engaging further.

[ ] 4. Message is vague, disorganized, or contains red-flag phrases ("just a quick thing," "easy project")
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Ask for a written brief before committing to a call.

[ ] 5. Mentions they've been through multiple freelancers on this project
    Severity: RED
    Action: Ask directly what went wrong with each. Listen carefully to how they answer.

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STAGE 2: DISCOVERY CALL
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[ ] 6. Can't articulate what "done" looks like for the project
    Severity: RED
    Action: Do not write a proposal until you have a written definition of success.

[ ] 7. Refuses to give a budget or budget range
    Severity: RED
    Action: "I need a ballpark to make sure I can help. Can you share a range?" If they won't — don't write the proposal.

[ ] 8. Timeline is unrealistic without explanation for why it's urgent
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Quote your standard rate + rush fee. Be clear about what's achievable.

[ ] 9. Interrupts, doesn't listen, or talks over you on the call
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Note it. This behavior almost always continues through the project.

[ ] 10. Asks about your process in a way that suggests they'll override your decisions
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Clarify your working style and process explicitly in the proposal.

[ ] 11. Mentions they don't "believe in contracts" or suggests trusting each other instead
    Severity: RED
    Action: Non-negotiable. No contract, no project — reframe it as protection for both parties.

[ ] 12. Shows up late to the call or reschedules without notice
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Flag it. If it happens twice, it's a pattern.

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STAGE 3: PROPOSAL STAGE
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[ ] 13. Pushes back on your rate more than once
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Offer scope reduction, not rate reduction. Hold your number.

[ ] 14. Tries to get work started before the contract is signed
    Severity: RED
    Action: "I don't begin work until the contract is signed and deposit is received." No exceptions.

[ ] 15. Asks for free samples, a "test project," or spec work
    Severity: RED
    Action: Decline. Point to your portfolio. Free spec work is not a standard professional practice.

[ ] 16. Compares your rate to cheaper alternatives (Fiverr, offshore freelancers, etc.)
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Explain the difference briefly once, then hold your rate. Don't compete on price.

[ ] 17. Pushes back on your deposit requirement
    Severity: YELLOW-to-RED depending on intensity
    Action: "A 50% deposit is how I work — it confirms the commitment on both sides." If they still refuse: decline.

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STAGE 4: PROJECT KICKOFF
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[ ] 18. Scope shifts significantly between the proposal call and project start
    Severity: RED
    Action: Stop. Issue a revised proposal with the new scope before starting.

[ ] 19. Doesn't have a clear point of contact or approval process
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Define one in writing before starting. "Who has final approval authority on deliverables?"

[ ] 20. Multiple stakeholders with conflicting opinions are involved
    Severity: YELLOW
    Action: Require a single point of contact who consolidates all feedback before sending it to you.

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SCORING GUIDE
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Count your flags:

  YELLOW flags: _____
  RED flags: _____

  0–2 YELLOW, 0 RED  →  PROCEED
  Standard contract and onboarding. Keep an eye on any flags that appeared.

  3–5 YELLOW or 1 RED  →  PROCEED WITH CAUTION
  Full deposit required. Explicit revision limits (2 rounds, no exceptions).
  Milestone sign-offs before continuing. Scope change clause active.
  Consider a 25% risk premium on your rate.

  2+ RED  →  DECLINE (or price for the risk)
  The patterns you've seen will intensify once money and deadlines are involved.
  Use the decline script: "After reviewing your project, I don't think I'm
  the right fit — but here's who might be..."

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GET THE FULL SYSTEM
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This checklist is a free download from SoloStack.
For intake questionnaires, ironclad contracts, and onboarding templates:
→ solostack.madethis.app/products

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